Antimicrobial peptides are a common mechanism of host defense utilized by a variety of species, from insects to humans. Defensins are a large family of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides, identified originally in leukocytes of rabbits and humans. Defensins, cationic/polar peptides (30-35aa; 3-4kD), are distinguished by a conserved tri-disulfides and a largely beta-Sheet structure. Defensins, expressed at the cell surface, have been hypothesized to function as a biochemical barrier against microbial infection by inhibiting colonization of the epithelium by wide range of pathogenic microorganisms.

Catalog #

B0899-03R

The genes encoding human and -defensins are clustered in a contiguous segment of chromosome 8p23. Defensins are classified into two families designated - and - based on distinctive, although similar, tri-disulfide linkages in the peptides. beta-defensins are slightly larger and differ in the position and arrangement of 3 disulfides. In humans, six-defensin (cryptidins), HD 1-6 (HD1-4 are also known as HNP1-4 for Human Neutrophil Peptides), and two-defensins, HBD-1 and HBD-2, have been identified to date. Rat (RBD-1 and RBD-2) and mouse (MBD1-4) homologues of the human beta-defensin have also been identified. alpha-defensins are encoded by genes designated DEFA1-6, whereas human beta-defensins are encoded by the DEFB1 and DEFb2 genes.

Applications

Suitable for use in ELISA and Western Blot. Other applications not tested.

Recommended Dilution

ELISA: 0.5-1ul/ml

Western Blot: 1-3ug/ml (ECL), using native or denatured protein.

Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

Storage and Stability

Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile ddH2O or PBS. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.